How to Potty Train Dogs in Winter

Keep your dog confined. Dogs that are learning to potty train need confinement until they know where it is appropriate and inappropriate to eliminate. If you cannot provide 100 percent attention to your dog, place the dog in a crate. This will keep it from finding places to get in trouble. If you choose not to use a crate, keep the dog confined by shutting doors to rooms you do not want it in, and use baby gates to keep space limited. You can also consider keeping your dog on a leash when inside the house. This will keep the dog within your sights at all times.

Choose a designated potty spot. Going to the same place every time will consistently show your dog what you expect. If there is snow on the ground, shovel the area to make it more inviting to your dog.

Keep your dog on a leash when you go outside. This will keep you dog supervised during training and help reduce distractions. Use a leash even if your yard is fenced in. Using a leash also allows you to keep your dog in the area you want it to use as the potty spot. Use the leash to lead your dog where you want it to go. Also, you can give a tug when you want to get your dog's attention back. For example, if blowing snow distracts your dog from the business at hand, you can give a gentle tug to get it refocused on the job at hand.

Watch for signs that your dog needs to go and when you spot them, take it out. Each dog is different, but common signs include sniffing, circling or squatting. When you see these signs, it is time to head outside. Also, dogs tend to need to eliminate 20 to 30 minutes after eating, as well as immediately when you get home, after naps, in the morning when you wake up and right before bed.

Use a trigger word. Choose a word to say each time you go outside to indicate what you expect. For example, when it is time to go outside to go potty, say "outside." Once you reach your designated spot, use a trigger word such as "empty." Use these words every time and be consistent with them.

Praise your dog. When your dog has gone outside, in the spot you indicate, let it know it did well. Tell the dog it is a good dog and make a big deal about it. Physical praise, including pats and treats, are effective as well.

Do not punish. If your dog has an accident indoors, it is probably because you were not paying attention. Punishing your dog will only instill fear. A simple "no" will suffice. If you catch your dog in the act, interrupt the elimination and take it out to your designated spot immediately, using your trigger words. If your dog finishes outside, praise it.

Remove your dog from the area of accidents when you clean them up. A mother dog will clean up messes herself. If your dog sees you cleaning up an accident, it may think this is you being motherly. Instead, move your dog into another room and clean the mess up. If the mess is solid, consider placing it outside at your designated spot. This will place your dog's scent there. Also, for cleaning, use an enzyme control cleaner to help cover the odor of the accident. Dogs are drawn to the scent left behind by accidents and if your dog smells its own odor in the house, it may go back there repeatedly.

Protect your dog from the cold. Use petroleum jelly between the toes of your dog. This will help keep snow from becoming balled up between the toes. If your dog has a thin coat or is a small dog, consider putting a coat on it to help keep it warm.